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"DroneSAR's technology will fit beautifully with our RAPID system," said Steve Lee, who set up Astrosat in 2012. "With RAPID's ability to provide up-to-date mapping images in less than three hours, and the ability to interlace footage from drones, we are giving first responders the most detailed picture available."

DroneSAR was developed through Donegal Mountain Rescue, and allows commercially available drones to maintain autonomous search patterns based on pre-determined search "boxes". This reduces the risk to search personnel and increases the chance of finding people in distress.

Oisin McGrath, chief executive and co-founder of DroneSAR, added: "It allows first responders a greater depth of overview, through the addition of drone footage to the interface.

"We plan to integrate both platforms to give near-real-time satellite imagery to both unmanned aerial vehicle pilots and to command and control for better-informed decision making."